Leicester 2 Watford 1: Jamie Vardy closes in on Manchester United hero's record

A ninth goal in as many league games yesterday means the red-hot England and Leicester City marksman is only one short of equaling Van Nistelrooy’s ten in ten for Manchester United a decade ago.

And on the evidence of his sizzling, relentless exploits over the last three months do not be surprised if he goes even better than that – and levels the all-time English top-flight record for goals in consecutive games.

That honour currently belongs to Stan Mortensen and has done so for the last 55 years. The late, great Bolton centre-forward rattled 11 in 11 back in the 1950-51 season.

It would take a brave man to wager against Vardy putting himself alongside Mortensen in the history books.

To do so he must find the net away to Newcastle in two weeks’ time and then again at home to Manchester United seven days later.

Yet his remarkable run would have come to an abrupt end here but for a terrific act of generosity from team-mate Riyad Mahrez.

The Algerian winger is the Foxes penalty taker and when Roger East pointed to the spot in the 65th minute, he initially grabbed the ball.

He had even put it on the spot and was about to begin his run up when he had second thoughts - and told record-maker Vardy to take it instead.

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The King Power Stadium erupted to salute the club’s finest hitman since the heady of days of Gary Lineker in the early 1980s.

Vardy’s 12th goal of the season made it 2-0 - and all but ensured Claudio Ranieri’s men were going joint top of the table, behind Man City and Arsenal on goal difference.

For although Watford hit back through a late Troy Deeney penalty, Leicester hung on for their seventh victory in 12 outings this season.

The visitors will consider themselves a touch unfortunate. They matched their high-flying opponents for longs spells before being undone by a Gomes howler, which put Leicester in the driving seat after half-time.

If the Foxes have been the surprise package in the top flight this term, the Hornets have not been far behind when it comes to exceeding expectations.

Upon their arrival back in the big time they promptly sacked the coach who had taken them there – and brought in Spaniard Quique Flores.

That made it four managers in 12 months. However, that was nothing compared with the 15 new players signed, mostly from around Europe, in the close season.

Yet the Hertfordshire outfit have looked anything but an unstable bunch of strangers. Either with one another on the pitch – or when rubbing shoulders with the English elite. That’s why they kicked off here with a healthy 13 points from 11 games.

Strangely, given both sides’ excellent late, this contest began slowly without incident for 15 minutes – a most rare situation at the King Power Stadium.

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PARTY TIME: Vardy celebrates his spot kick

But that changed when Vardy chased down a long ball, crossed into the area and Marc Albrighton drove low at Gomes.

Then at the other end, the visitors were denied the breakthrough by the woodwork. Odion Ighalo controlled beautifully on the left side of the area before cracking a volley towards the far corner.

The Nigerian was wheeling away in celebration when the effort flew back off the upright. Ikewchi Anya’s follow up was tipped over by Kasper Schmeichel.

Vardy’s frustration at barely having a shot in anger during the first half was plain to see shortly before the interval.

Flagged offside, Vardy flipped his lid and flicked a middle finger in the direction of the assistant. He accompanied that with a visible obscenity.

However, both his and Leicester’s frustration was soon giving way to sheer delight –at the expense of poor Gomes.

The once error-prone Tottenham ace had not put a foot - or hand - wrong since joining Watford 18 months ago.

But yesterday that ability to lose concentration for no obvious reason struck with a vengeance in the 51st minute.

N’Golo Knate’s 12-yard poke was lame and rolling harmlessly towards Gomes – until he completely missed it and saw it end up in the net.

Then nine minutes later Gomes was again the fall guy as he brought down Vardy a yard inside the box.

Once Mahrez had stepped aside there was only ever one outcome as Vardy assumed centre stage to convert with real venom.